Monthly Community Meetings: Fostering Unity and Action
Every fourth Thursday of the month, East Canfield residents gather for Canfield Consortium’s monthly community meetings. Held at the Barack Obama Leadership Academy located at 10800 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48214, these meetings serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. Residents from all walks of life come together to address pressing issues facing their community—from advocating for environmental justice to promoting economic opportunity. These gatherings are a testament to the power of collective action and community engagement.
Calling All Passionate Volunteers
Canfield Consortium thrives on the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference in the East Canfield neighborhood, we welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or someone looking to get involved for the first time, there’s a place for you. Reach out to us at info@canfieldst.org to get started.
Celebrating Achievements
We are honored to announce that Canfield Consortium has been awarded the America Walks 2023 Community Change Grant, a testament to our commitment to creating walkable, accessible communities where everyone can thrive.
Jordan Weber’s Detroit Remediation Forest: A Beacon of Environmental Justice
Located in a Detroit neighborhood plagued by environmental injustice, Jordan Weber’s Detroit Remediation Forest is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issue of air pollution while serving as an educational hub for environmental justice. Spanning a square-acre pocket forest, this innovative project functions as both an air detoxification zone and an open-air classroom, providing a transformative space.
At the entrance of the forest stands a crown-shaped mirrored-aluminum sculptural arch, a symbolic marker welcoming visitors into this visionary space. Inside, the project includes the transplantation of 200 conifer trees, strategically arranged to create a dense canopy that maximizes the absorption of toxic particulate matter (PM) emitted from a nearby automotive factory.
The expansion of the Stellantis auto plant in the majority-Black Detroit neighborhood of East Canfield in 2019 underscored the environmental injustices faced by the community. While striking deals to reduce emissions in predominantly white neighborhoods, the detrimental effects of pollution on East Canfield residents’ health became evident, with children experiencing asthma at five times the national rate.
An archway inspired by West African architecture guides visitors into a clearing within the woods, where a forum with stepped seating awaits. Encircled by a bridge beneath the forest canopy, this space serves as a clean-air oasis amidst the heavily polluted surroundings. Here, students from the nearby Barack Obama Academy engage in Environmental Justice classroom activities, exploring sustainable solutions and envisioning greener futures. The unveiling will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
We are thrilled to announce that Jordan Weber has been selected as a VIA Art Fund 2023 Grantee. Through VIA Art Fund’s grantmaking initiative, some of the most exciting practitioners, including Jordan Weber, will bring their creative visions to life in public gardens, pavilions, piers, planetariums, and other spaces across cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Venice, and beyond.
This grant provides an incredible opportunity for artists to realize ambitious projects in unconventional settings, fostering engagement with contemporary art and encouraging experimentation beyond traditional cultural boundaries. Jordan Weber’s inclusion in this esteemed cohort speaks volumes about the innovative nature of his work and its potential to captivate diverse audiences.
We are proud to partner with Jordan Weber as he continues to push the boundaries of art and activism, creating meaningful experiences that resonate with communities near and far.
Restoring Community Icons: The Campaign to Rebuild Jack’s 1 Stop
As part of our ongoing efforts to revitalize the East Canfield neighborhood, Canfield Consortium is embarking on a campaign to rebuild Jack’s 1 Stop, a former social hub of the community. Once a bustling gathering place where residents came for a range of needs, Jack’s 1 Stop will be transformed into a welcoming, accessible, and intergenerational space to enjoy.
We are seeking to secure $250,000 in funding to support the critical stabilization and renovation of key building sections, modernize wiring and lighting systems, and acquire the necessary equipment. With your support, we can restore this neighborhood icon and create a vibrant gathering space that will serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come.
Donate today: https://jacksisback.com/
Join Us in Building a Better Future
As we embark on this journey of transformation and renewal, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re an artist, activist, or simply someone who cares deeply about your community, there’s a place for you here. Together, we can create a future where justice, equity, and sustainability are not just ideals but lived realities.
